RICHMOND, VA: San Francisco Giants prospect Jonah Cox of the Richmond Flying Squirrels runs to third base during an Eastern League game against the Somerset Patriots at CarMax Park on April 21, 2026. (Photo by Matthew Mitrani/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Minor League Baseball via Getty Images
Jonah Cox has hit his way from the ninth spot in a minor league batting order to a call up to the Major Leagues.
The San Francisco Giants summoned the 24-year-old outfielder from the Richmond Flying Squirrels before last night’s Double-A Eastern League game in Akron against the RubberDucks.
A clubhouse source said the Colorado native could make his MLB debut today in Denver against the Rockies.
Cox opened the 2026 season with the reputation as a fast, fine-fielding outfielder trying to find a way to make more consistent contact at the plate. He leads the EL in batting (.400), stolen bases (27) and triples (5).
For most of the first six weeks, he hit ninth as a secondary leadoff guy trying to get on base and utilize his speed. A bunt single often led to a steal of second and perhaps a wild throw sending him to third.
Cox’s confidence grew and he continued to work on his swing. He began slashing line drives to the opposite field and occasionally lifting the ball for a home run. He was moved up in the order and eventually to leadoff. His batting average soared to .420.
Several scouts in the stands this week were immediately impressed with his speed as well as his willingness to take an outside pitch the other way and not try to do too much.
In 44 games for Richmond he also had six homers, 11 doubles and 35 RBI.
Earlier this month for Forbes.com, I wrote about Cox’s career. You can read that article about his background here: